What Is Instagram Threads

At Lillian Purge we specialise in local SEO services and have written this article to help small businesses understand what Instagram Threads is, how it works and how it can support their online visibility.

When I first explain Instagram Threads to business owners most tell me they have heard the name but they are not quite sure what it actually is. In my opinion Threads has become one of the most important new social platforms to understand because it changes how people share quick thoughts, updates and conversations online.

Threads is a social networking app created by Meta, the company behind Instagram and Facebook. It works as a companion app to Instagram which means you log in using your Instagram account, your followers can automatically follow you on Threads and your content feels familiar because it uses the same style of profile and branding.

Where Instagram focuses heavily on visuals, Threads focuses on text based content. It is built for quick posts, short thoughts, conversations, commentary and community discussions. Many people describe Threads as Meta’s alternative to the traditional micro blogging format that platforms like Twitter popularised.

I believe Threads gives small businesses a new opportunity to communicate in a more relaxed and conversational way without needing perfect photos or edited videos.

How Threads Works

Threads is linked directly to Instagram which makes joining fast and simple. Once you create your Threads profile your Instagram followers can choose to follow you automatically. This allows you to build an audience on Threads far more quickly than starting from scratch on other platforms.

On Threads you can:

• share short text updates

• post images

• share links

• reply to conversations

• join trending discussions

• start community style threads

It is designed to be quick, easy and low pressure. You do not need polished content or complex editing. In my opinion that simplicity is one of the biggest reasons businesses should pay attention to it.

Why Threads Exists

Instagram created Threads to meet the growing demand for real time conversation. Social media has moved towards storytelling, long form video and curated content which takes time to produce. Threads offers the opposite. It is instant. It is conversational. It gives users a space to react, respond or share ideas on the go.

This shift suits businesses because it reduces the pressure to create perfect content. You can post in seconds and still build engagement.

How Threads Differs from Instagram

Even though Threads is connected to Instagram it behaves very differently.

Instagram focuses on:

• visuals

• polished content

• reels

• photos

• long form stories

Threads focuses on:

• text

• conversation

• quick engagement

• informal updates

This makes Threads feel more personal. You can share ideas or opinions that might not suit your main Instagram feed. I believe this helps businesses show personality which is something audiences respond well to.

Why Threads Matters for Small Businesses

Small businesses can benefit from Threads because it offers a new place to reach customers and build awareness without needing constant video or photo content.

Here are the main benefits.

1. Easier engagement

It is far easier to comment, reply and talk with your audience on Threads compared with Instagram.

2. Low effort content

You can post thoughts, tips or updates instantly. No editing or design work needed.

3. Builds brand personality

Threads rewards authenticity. You can be informal, helpful or funny which makes your business more relatable.

4. Faster community building

People on Threads often engage more freely than on Instagram because the environment feels less curated.

5. Stronger connection to Instagram

Because your profiles are linked, growth on Threads can also support your visibility on Instagram.

In my opinion Threads is ideal for businesses that want to be seen as approachable and human rather than overly corporate.

What You Can Post on Threads

The best types of content on Threads are short, simple and valuable.

Examples include:

• quick tips related to your industry

• behind the scenes updates

• opinions or insights

• myth busting

• questions to your audience

• reacting to news in your sector

• sharing your latest Instagram or blog content

• starting discussions

• mini case studies

Threads works best when content feels conversational rather than heavily polished.

How Threads Can Support Your Marketing

Threads is not designed to replace Instagram. Instead it strengthens your existing marketing in several ways.

1. More touchpoints with your audience

People see you more often which builds familiarity.

2. Higher engagement opportunities

Replies and comments are far more common on Threads.

3. Traffic for new content

You can share links to blogs, announcements or landing pages.

4. Support for launches or offers

Because Threads updates are quick, it is ideal for limited time announcements.

5. Relationship building

It feels like a direct line of communication with your followers.

In my opinion this platform is especially valuable for businesses that rely on personal connection such as coaches, trades, local shops, solictors, hairdressers, gyms and restaurants.

Should Your Business Be on Threads?

I believe most small businesses should at least claim their Threads profile even if they do not use it heavily at first. The platform is still growing and early adopters naturally gain visibility faster.

Threads is most effective for businesses that want to:

• build a community

• share fast updates

• show personality

• join conversations

• strengthen their Instagram audience

• stay relevant in a shifting social landscape

If your business depends on trust and relatability Threads is worth your attention.

Bringing Everything Together

When I look at where social media is heading I believe Threads is an important addition to the online ecosystem. It offers a low pressure space for conversation, authenticity and community building. It removes the expectation of perfect content and encourages real human interaction which is exactly what small businesses need.

In my opinion Threads will continue growing as more people realise they can post quickly, connect directly and build stronger relationships without the effort required on other platforms. Even if you start slowly having a presence on Threads positions your business with the next wave of social engagement.

We have also written detailed articles on How to Advertise on Instagram and the best types of posts for small businesses on Instagram which offer even more practical advice for improving your visibility on the platform. Alongside these guides we have a full section on our website dedicated to free Instagram support to help businesses understand the platform and use it with confidence.